The Homecore Sicily Guide
Cities and Town
The charming city of Noto is a place of captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its baroque style, Noto stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance of its builders, with intricately designed churches, palaces, and piazzas that evoke a sense of grandeur. As you stroll through its streets, the warm tones of limestone buildings create a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, especially at sunset. Noto's appeal is further enhanced by its world-famous almonds. These local gems are celebrated in countless delicacies, from pastries to marzipan creations, showcasing the city's exceptional culinary craftsmanship. Visiting Noto is an immersive journey into a world where history, architecture, and gastronomy meet: leaving a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to wander through this corner of Sicily.
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, Catania is a vibrant city known for its historical significance and the majestic presence of Mount Etna rising in the background. This ancient port city is home to a treasure trove of architectural marvels, from iconic baroque buildings and ornate churches to Roman ruins. But what truly sets Catania apart is its deep-rooted culture around the prized Carricante grape. Grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, Carricante yields exquisite white wines, known for their bright acidity, citrus notes, and distinctive minerality. Wine lovers flock to Catania to taste these exceptional vintages while soaking in the city's lively energy, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking a remarkable blend of history, culture, and fine wine.
Avola, a charming town on Sicily’s southeastern coast, is famous as the birthplace of the prestigious Nero d’Avola grape. This native red variety is celebrated for producing full-bodied wines with rich character and distinct notes of dark fruit. The town’s warm Mediterranean climate and nutrient-rich soil create ideal conditions for growing this grape, resulting in wines of remarkable elegance and depth. Avola is also known for its delicious almonds, which thrive in the same fertile environment. Wine connoisseurs and curious travelers alike come to Avola to enjoy outstanding Nero d’Avola wines, savor the flavor of locally grown almonds, and explore the town’s historical landmarks — all while taking in breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. With its unique winemaking heritage, culinary delights, and coastal charm, Avola is a destination where wine, culture, and beauty come together for an unforgettable experience.
Perched high on a picturesque hill along Sicily’s eastern coast, Taormina is a world-renowned destination known for its breathtaking beauty and historical allure. Its scenic charm is perfectly complemented by the refined culture surrounding the celebrated Nerello Mascalese grape. Grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this red grape produces wines of impressive complexity, offering elegant fruit flavors, subtle spice, and remarkable depth. Taormina’s idyllic setting, framed by lush vineyards and the azure Mediterranean Sea, provides the perfect backdrop for wine enthusiasts eager to taste the distinctive character of Nerello Mascalese. The combination of stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and exquisite local flavors makes Taormina an enchanting and unforgettable destination for those in search of nature, history, and wine in perfect harmony.
The idyllic setting of Taormina, surrounded by lush vineyards and the azure Mediterranean Sea, provides the perfect backdrop for wine lovers eager to savor the unique taste of Nerello Mascalese wines. The combination of captivating landscapes, ancient ruins, and the region’s exquisite flavors makes Taormina an enchanting and unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a delightful fusion of nature, history, and wine.
The vibrant capital of Sicily, Palermo, is famed for its fascinating history and cultural richness. In recent years, it has also emerged as a notable center for cultivating the Grillo grape, a prominent white variety native to the island. Grillo thrives in Palermo’s sunny climate and mineral-rich soils, producing wines with refreshing citrus notes, a pleasant acidity, and a delightful herbal aroma. Local winemakers have embraced this grape with passion and innovation, crafting a diverse range of high-quality wines that continue to impress wine lovers around the world. Beyond its vineyards, Palermo captivates visitors with its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and mouthwatering cuisine. Wandering through the city’s hidden corners, sipping Grillo wines, and soaking up Palermo’s colorful atmosphere promises an unforgettable journey into a world where wine, history, and Mediterranean charm meet.
Tucked along the picturesque northwestern coast of Sicily, Scopello enchants visitors with its timeless beauty, captivating history, and rich culture that extends far beyond its renowned Zibibbo wines. Wandering through its cobbled streets, exploring the ancient tonnara, and admiring Scopello’s medieval castle evokes a true sense of wonder and awe. Locals proudly embrace their heritage, preserving traditional crafts while the village’s culinary delights from fresh seafood to rich almond pastries are sure to awaken the senses. Scopello’s serene atmosphere, idyllic landscapes, and authentic charm come together to create an unforgettable experience, weaving a tempting backdrop of Sicilian allure for every traveler.
During our shoot in Sicily with Veja, we had a special encounter, Vito, a real favorite! He welcomes you into his home, offering stunning sea views and a chance to experience Scopello in a truly unique way. There’s no platform, no Airbnb, just word of mouth. Looking for an off-the-beaten-path escape? Give him a call directly at +39 333 86313664. At the entrance of the village, you’ll find Vito, who will gladly welcome you to his guesthouse and introduce you to the hidden treasures of Scopello.
Don’t hesitate to reach out ! He’s waiting for you!
Nestled atop a picturesque mountain on Sicily’s northwestern coast, the enchanting town of Erice captivates visitors with its medieval charm and breathtaking views. Steeped in history and legend, Erice features cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and well-preserved medieval architecture that transports visitors back in time. The jewel of the town is the imposing Castle of Venus, a fortress dating back to antiquity, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the azure Mediterranean Sea. Beyond its historical appeal, Erice is renowned for its delicious almond pastries and traditional ceramics, adding to the sensory delights of exploring this timeless city. From wandering its narrow alleyways to soaking in its unique atmosphere, Erice is a destination that lingers in the hearts of all who visit.
Canicattì, a charming town nestled in the heart of Sicily, has gained worldwide fame for its exquisite Uva da Tavola, or table grapes. It is also where Alex spent his childhood, at 9 Via Guerazzi. Just up the street, opposite the kindergarten he attended, there was a bakery. He says he was the lucky one who got to fetch the warm bread wrapped in a paper kraft grid, the combination of warm bread, sesame, and kraft paper is his ultimate nostalgic comfort. Renowned for their unique sweetness and delicate flavor, these grapes thrive in the fertile lands surrounding the town, thanks to the favorable Mediterranean climate and rich soil. Canicattì’s dedication to grape growing and winemaking has led to a thriving wine industry, attracting visitors and connoisseurs from around the world to savor this delicious fruit and explore the picturesque vineyards that adorn the landscape. With its rich history and deeply rooted tradition of grape cultivation, Canicattì proudly stands as a symbol of Sicilian viticulture and continues to be celebrated for its precious Uva da Tavola.